WBC Silver champion Kelly Morgan retires from boxing following eye injury

Female fighter and former Commonwealth Games javelin medallist Kelly Morgan has called time on her boxing career after a serious eye injury.

Multi-talented Morgan is a former Team Bath netballer who turned to athletics. She broke the British javelin record previously held by Tessa Sanderson and Fatima Whitbread before claiming a bronze medal at 2002 Commonwealth Games in Kuala Lumpur.

After a white collar boxing bout in 2015, Swindon-based Morgan turned professional, becoming one of just a handful of female British fighters in the paid ranks.

She won the WBC Silver belt in just her fourth pro bout last year and was mandatory challenger for the WBC world title held by German superstar Nikki Adler.

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A statement from Morgan's management company, Veresport, read: "It is with heavy hearts that Veresport must announce the retirement of WBC Silver middleweight title holder Kelly Morgan.

"Kelly was on the cusp of a world title shot before she sustained an injury in sparring earlier this year. The injury, called Fourth Nerve Palsy, caused Kelly to have permanent double vision and meant that an operation was needed if the condition didn't improve.

"Although the condition has improved, it means that it is no longer viable to operate on, causing Kelly to further delay her shot at a world title."

Morgan's trainer and manager, Rich Farnan, added: "I am very proud to have worked with Kelly over the past few years. We worked hard and managed to get the WBC Silver middleweight title after just four fights.

"It is sad news that she has decided to retire having been on the cusp of a world title shot. We wish her all the best for the future."